Economic Science Studies

ECON597

Application of techniques of science and technology studies to problems in the history, philosophy, methodology and sociology of economics. Addresses modern economics as an illustrative case of issues arising in Studies of Scientific Knowledge. What counts as “fact” in economics? Who decides, and by what processes of negotiation? Does accepting that knowledge in economics as a construct reduce the usefulness of that knowledge and affect the notion of progress in economic science? Why has mathematical economics enjoyed such success in recent decades? Close readings in texts across the sciences and in modern economics, and the history of mathematics, culminating in a research project. Similar in context to ECON318S, but requires an additional assignment. Not open to students who have taken ECON318S. Pre-requisites: ECON205D; and ECON210D or 248; and consent of instructor. One course / 3 units.